Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disorder that affects bodily movements, often including tremors. Parkinson’s disease is quite common among older adults and requires a medical diagnosis. While the treatments can help, it is essentially a condition that can’t be cured. There are four motor signs of Parkinson’s disease that are considered cardinal – tremors, rigidity, posture instability and bradykinesia. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Tremors
The signs of tremors are the most common and well-known symptom in Parkinson’s disease. They might not start right from the beginning of the disease but appear as it progresses. This rhythmic shaking starts from the fingers to the hands or limbs, when they are in a resting position. It can appear on a single arm or leg and extend to the entire body during the later course of the disease. The index finger of the hand may get in contact with the thumb frequently, called pill-polling, resulting in significant rubbing.
Rigidity
Rigidity is characterized by the stiffness that develops in the muscles, making movement of the joints difficult. Patients often develop ‘cogwheel rigidity’ where their joint will resist movements, they face jerky movements as they force their joints out and back in. Patients may even feel pain during this ordeal.
Bradykinesia and Akinesia
Bradykinesia is the slowness of movement, while akinesia is the absence of movement. Bradykinesia slows your movements over time and you can face difficulties doing even the most mundane tasks, such as eating, writing, sewing or wearing clothes. Your walking speed slows down, and most of the time, you would have to drag your feet during the walk.
Posture Instability
Posture instability is quite common in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease. This condition leads to impaired balance and frequent falls.
Other Motor Symptoms Include:
– Speech and swallowing disturbances where you might speak softly, slur words or drool while eating. You might develop a monotonous speech habit.
– A combination of stopped posture, imbalance and short steps called Festination can also be a sign.
– You can witness abnormal and painful twisting muscle contractions called Dystonia.
– You might develop Camptocormia, which is a stopped, forward-flexed posture. Your head and upper shoulders might be bent at the right angle.
– Parkinson’s disease can also cause scoliosis, which is the abnormal curvature of the spine.
– Decreased arm swing can also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
– You can develop gait freezing, which causes motor blocks and akinesia.
Treatments and proper care can ease the pain and difficulty of this disease. As it is more common in aged individuals, they require equal parts medical care and everyday caregiving. Cherokee Angel Senior Care and Training Center gives optimal care to the elderly during their fragile age and provides comfort throughout. Reach out to us if your loved one is facing this issue or other old age problems.